By Catriona Lingwood, Chief Executive of Constructing Excellence in the North East

The Construction 2025 strategy released in July 2013 by the Government, with full support from our industry, looked at how we could continue working together to increase the success of the UK construction sector up to 2025 (ultimately, how we can continue to be successful in the UK for the next 10 plus years and how we look to win more contracts overseas).

As well as setting ambitious targets for our industry, such as reducing the time it takes to move a project from inception to completion and halving greenhouse gas emissions, the report set out five key themes that the Government believe are key to the long-term success of our industry:

People- we should be known as an industry that has a talented and diverse workforce

Smart- we should be known as an industry that is efficient and technologically leading the way

Sustainable- we should be known as an industry that leads the way in low-carbon and green construction exports

Growth- we should be seen an industry that drives growth across the entire economy

Leadership- we should be seen as an industry with clear leadership from an organisation such as the Construction Leadership Council

Should we achieve all of the aims in the report, our industry will see costs reduce by around 33 per cent, delivery times reduce by almost half, 50 per cent lower emission levels and a 50 per cent improvement in the level of exports- great news all around.

It’s been nearly two years now since the report has been released and I think that’s a good point to take stock of where we’re at.

The initial noise around the 2025 strategy and whether it’s aims are achievable or not seems to have quietened down as people get over the initial scaremongering and start working out exactly how they can work towards (if not achieve) the aims set out in the report. But as General Election fever kicks in, I’m sure discussions around our industry and the strategy will only heat up again. In my experience, the general consensus seems to be that the aims can be achieved well in advance on the 2025 deadline, as long as we continue to work as we have been.

We are holding an event on May 7 about Construction 2025 in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) North East at the Newcastle Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel. The event will focus on what we have achieved since the report’s release and how we work towards achieving its aims. For more information, or to book your place, contact Leanne McAngus on 0191 374 0233 or email leanne@cene.org.uk.